A quote at the top of my LinkedIn profile summary is attributed to one Dr. Hank Flick. Usually, when you see those quotes, it’s probably a name you recognize. Well, unless you attended Mississippi State, you probably have no idea who Dr. Hank Flick is, and I’m so sad that you never got to meet him. Hank passed away in 2017, leaving a legacy of eccentricity of which Starkville, Mississippi, will never see again. I previously shared how much Mississippi State shaped who I am today. Just as that post was about David Rosinski and his impact on me, Hank deserved one of his own, too.

For some, Hank was that crazy guy you took interviewing from senior year or the PA announcer at men’s basketball where you lived to hear him say “Staaaaannnsssbury” as if Rick was Dracula reincarnated; for those of us in the communications department; he was the professor who forced us to commit a (legal) norm violation for an entire day. Hank was my college advisor. And how that came about was a stroke of luck. Hank didn’t teach public relations, so I was confused when he was assigned as my advisor. Well, that pairing was thanks to my status as a student assistant in the athletic media relations office.

We forged a bond over sports (the man had Shaquille O’Neal and Jackie Sherrill stories for days), and his words got me through some of the most challenging times of my life. Hank never minced those words, and his tough love proved necessary more than once in my college years. He wanted me to be the best version of myself and knew exactly what to say to kick my ass into high gear to make it happen. Hank telling me I would succeed because of my passion is the greatest compliment I’ve ever received.

He truly cared. For everyone. Passionately. Putting people first was in his DNA. “People first. Things second.” has become a mantra for who I am as a communicator and marketer. And it’s all because of Hank.

Another “Flickism” was at the top of every syllabus he handed out: “People without passion in their lives need not apply. Those without love in their hearts or loyalty in their lives need not stay.” Hank spent 40-plus years at MSU, and he bled maroon and white.

Throughout my most recent job search, I’ve thought of him often. At times, I’ve wished I could pick up the phone and call or send an email — to get one bit of advice from him again. And thinking of him makes me smile. I’m prepared for any interview because of him. Because he made sure you could (his words) whip it and spit off ten good qualities about yourself without blinking an eye. I’m ready because that man put me through a gauntlet that makes America Ninja Warrior look like My Little Pony.

Hank was one-of-a-kind. And his words of wisdom are still with me to this day.

“Be who Mississippi State taught you to be. Be loyal. Always honor and treasure your Hail State moments. A Mississippi State University education never stops. It provides light for the journey.”